King's Mate: An Alpha Shifter Romance

by Piper Stone

  “Well, we’ll never know now.”

  “I thought you could read every thought.” I gave him a bashful smile as I studied him. He’d dressed, the jeans and tee shirt beefing up his rugged bad boy image. A lump formed in my throat, my pussy soaking into my panties. I wanted him all over again. Damn it. I had to fight the feelings, the deep emotions that probably weren’t my own.

  A wry smile crept onto his face. “Perhaps not all of them. You are still human. You have yet to shift.”

  I opened my mouth, almost gasping for air. “All right. Dr. Porter kept notes. According to one of the scientists, he took them to his place of residence in order to protect them. If the same Dr. Porter existed that I knew, he would list everything that had transpired from the start of his work, including when the DSIC took over.”

  “What are you suggesting, that we attempt to recover this information?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m suggesting and before you say it’s too risky, what other choice do we have? There is a reason I was given those drugs. There is a reason you and I are together. We need to know the exact reason, or we can’t even attempt to inform the government what was going on.”

  “You’re assuming that the entire human government isn’t behind this.”

  “You’re right, Luca. I refuse to believe that all the good people I’ve worked with, known, and befriended over the years are horrible. Maybe the intent in the beginning was a good one, but somewhere down along the line, greed and the desire for power took over.”

  He gave me a hard look as well as a respectful nod. “I understand, but it’s risky to leave this camp.”

  “And you and I both know that they will come looking for us. This isn’t over.”

  The sharp knock on the door forced Luca to growl. Storming forward, he threw open the door.

  “Luca. You should turn on Netscape.” As the man bolted inside, his eyes darting in my direction, I could tell he wasn’t thrilled that I was there. I’d seen him in the forest and knew he’d participated in saving the Breeds.

  “Why?” Luca hissed.

  “I think the humans are preparing to round up the Breeds,” the lion answered.

  “How do you have Netscape? Can’t they detect you? Every single application is monitored.” I trailed behind Luca as he walked into another room, yanking a small screen from one of the cabinets.

  “We may be freaking Breeds, Clarise, but we have brilliant minds within our camp. Other Breeds do as well. We simply aren’t allowed to use our intelligence. We disabled the ability so we could keep an eye on the humans.”

  The cutting remark was one I deserved. As the two men hovered around the screen, I shrank back, shaking from another rush of adrenaline. I could feel Luca’s anger, could tell how on edge he was. He took full responsibility for his Pride, as if he would be to blame if something would happen to any of them.

  The report was horrific.

  “As reported earlier, there was an explosion at the scientific ward number seven, killing several scientists as well as three officers. It is believed that several Breeds who’d recently volunteered for various tests are responsible for the destruction and murder of our beloved citizens. There is a belief that they did not act alone, and an investigation is underway. Commander Martin of the DSIC has issued a command for all citizens of Alexandria. If you are aware of any illegal or irregular activity within the Breeds, you are to contact your local DSIC office. Please be advised that these creatures are considered dangerous and will likely retaliate.” The reporter’s voice contained fear.

  The craziness had already started.

  “That’s crazy. Tests? They were horrible violent experiments,” I snapped.

  “This will escalate to the Breeds being rounded up,” Luca added. “I have no doubt.”

  “They are simply using the media to perpetuate lies,” the other lion added.

  “And fear.” I touched Luca on the arm after whispering the words. At least Robert was dead. While a part of me didn’t want to even think the words, the truth is that I’d longed to kill him myself.

  Bastard.

  “The president of the United States is the only one who can issue a roundup order,” I added.

  Luca snarled. “That’s only a matter of time. I assure you that the DSIC will be hunting us down. Then they will make the call to your president.”

  “We must prepare the Pride, Luca.” The other lion stepped back, clenching his fist.

  “I also need to talk to the leaders of the other Breeds, Ranger. Speak to Jonas. Have him make certain that our perimeters are fortified and that everyone is prepared for the attack. Then you’re coming with me to visit the Breeds. I will call for an emergency meeting.”

  “You won’t be able to garner their help. Not after Rollins shares the startling news,” Ranger huffed then looked in my direction.

  “Then they will die,” Luca snapped. “Do as I say, Ranger. We don’t have time for questions or innuendoes. We could be at war soon.” He glanced into Ranger’s eyes.

  Ranger backed down, only I could tell in his eyes that he was pissed. “Very well. Sire. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.” He stormed away, growling under his breath.

  Hissing, Luca turned toward me. “I have no doubt that we are going to be at war, Clarise. I refuse to allow a single person in my Pride or within the other Breeds to be taken against their will. This will be dangerous and life altering. You will stay here. The others will protect you. You are one of us now.”

  “Whether they like it or not?”

  “There are some who don’t believe you are my mate. They will come to understand.”

  “Luca, we can’t. I mean...” I shook my head. “We must find the documentation from Dr. Porter’s residence. That’s the only way we can help stop this,” I implored, still holding onto his arm. “I doubt the president is aware of what’s going on.”

  “And you can get to him?”

  I thought about his question. “I think so. I’ll need to make a call. Is that possible without being detected?”

  He studied me cautiously before answering.

  “Yes. I will leave a communication piece with you, but I suggest you be careful in who you trust. Humans are... deceitful.”

  “I am human. Do you trust me?” I dared to ask.

  I wasn’t certain what to expect from him but when he placed his hands on my face, rubbing his thumb back and forth, every part of me tingled. I could feel not only his warmth but something else. Love. Even though I knew we couldn’t be together and that I should fight the feelings burning deep within me, I wanted nothing more than to melt into his arms.

  “I trust you with my life as I hope you do with me. I don’t want to lose you, Clarise, under any circumstances. If what we heard is true, they will try and separate us, at least for the time being as a method of control in order to lure me once again. That enrages me and will not happen. However, you are right. When I return, we’ll make our way to the doctor’s residence. Agreed?”

  I took a deep breath and nodded. “Agreed. Please be careful. You don’t know the commander. Losing his own men means this is a vendetta to him.”

  Luca chuckled. “And you forget who I am and what I can do. Don’t worry. Neither he nor his men will be any match for us.” As he pulled me into his arms, lifting my chin, I could tell there were so many things that he wanted to say, yet he had no idea how I’d take them.

  I placed my hands on his chest, struggling to keep the tears from falling. The moment our lips were pressed together, the same intense passion roared through me like a lightning rod, my hunger exploding.

  When he eased away, he gave me another stern look. “Things will change, but I will be by your side.”

  Minutes later, I watched him walk out the door and realized that even if the love I felt wasn’t real, the respect was. None of the Breeds deserved what was about to happen to them. I waited for a few seconds before deciding to make the call. If I was wrong, it was likely I’d be signin
g Luca’s and the Pride’s death warrants.

  But I had to take the chance.

  “Please answer. Please.”

  When Emily’s face popped on the screen, she gasped and darted her eyes around her. “Oh, my God. You’re alive. It’s not safe, Clarise. They’re saying terrible things about you. If they know you’re alive, you’ll be hunted and arrested.”

  I wasn’t going to tell her what they’d planned on doing.

  “I’m certain they will. Is it safe to talk? I need your help.”

  She swallowed hard and the fear in her eyes was palpable. “For a few minutes only. I wasn’t going to answer but I had a gut feeling.”

  “Erase the call after we finish. Please.”

  “I will. How can I help you?”

  “You have certain connections because of your father. Right?”

  Emily wrinkled her nose. “Yes.”

  “Then I need you to do something for me.”

  As I explained as much as I felt comfortable, I could see the once happy girl had realized that life wasn’t exactly the way it had been painted to be.

  Or she was a damn good actress.

  Either way, a certain amount of the Breeds’ fate had been placed into her hands

  Now it was time for me to handle a significant portion of the rest.

  No matter the outcome.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Clarise

  Hunger.

  Insatiable.

  Undeniable.

  The insanity of the realization furrowed through me, only this time my desires merely had a small aspect to do with the way I felt about Luca. My entire mind was wrapped up in the need for retaliation. It burned within me, feasting on my anger and hatred for the people I thought I could trust. I’d paced the floor in Luca’s cabin for fifteen minutes after he’d left, trying to put the pieces together about why I’d been chosen.

  I’d come to one conclusion.

  That Dr. Porter had been involved since the beginning. That’d he’d hand selected me, although I refused to believe that he would have ever wanted me to be tormented or experimented on in the horrific methods the others had endured.

  I’d forgotten the early examinations, both mental and physical, including blood tests when I’d become a recruit. Not long after, Dr. Porter had sought me out, asking if I’d like to learn more about the research program he was working on, taking up where we left off years before. Perhaps my blood had registered as being compatible, necessary for whatever testing he was working on. While I wouldn’t know for certain until I discovered his notes, that was the only thing that made sense in my mind.

  Additional inoculations had begun after I’d attended his classes, expressing an eagerness to learn more about the Breeds. He’d taken the time to explain what little he knew about the chemical compound that had altered the Breeds’ DNA. My guess was that he knew a hell of a lot more than he’d told me. While I’d read the basic propaganda on his credentials, they could always be altered as necessary.

  He’d become a friend, a mentor, a father-like figure. What if I was his greatest experiment of all?

  I couldn’t stomach the thought, but it had propelled me into action.

  Maybe I was a fool to steal the old truck that Luca had been driving, to even attempt to get out of the camp without being noticed.

  But I had.

  In fact, it had been significantly easier than I would have anticipated.

  As I left the safety of the forest surrounding the camp, turning onto what appeared to be an old gravel road, I stole a glance into the rearview mirror to see if anyone was following me. The entire Pride seemed to be preparing for a major attack, not paying any attention to the human girl who could upset their worlds in another way.

  I took the back roads, keeping as low a profile as possible. While I didn’t know the area, I certain knew the direction I was going, the limited signs providing enough information that I was able to get to the single main road I’d need to carefully navigate in order to get to Dr. Porter’s residence. I allowed my thoughts to drift to the past, all the amazing lunches and talks we’d had. He’d been so animated about the marvel of the DNA shift in the Breeds. He’d turned me into a believer that the chemical change might be the hand of God and all for a benefit.

  Now I knew better.

  He’d taught me more about the Breeds than any of my other recruits knew. His wisdom had been amazing, the years he’d spent researching a part of his past. For some reason, I suspected his love of the Breeds had stemmed from his father, a chemical engineer. It was all becoming clearer in my mind.

  He’d felt guilty for what had happened to them, spending his life trying to find a way to reverse the chemical reaction, giving them their lives back, while learning the secrets for the change. Had something gone wrong or had his work simply been commandeered, others forcing him to take on an entirely different project?

  If that was the case, he’d have explicit notes detailing the research that had been required, including the chemical components used. Was it possible to reverse the change I was going through? More important, did I want to remove the connection I shared with Luca?

  I twisted my hand on the steering wheel as I hovered closer to the dashboard, constantly on the lookout for anyone following me. While there were no established roadblocks as of yet, from what Emily had told me, that should occur by nightfall.

  After the DSIC under the direction of Commander Martin began to round up the Breeds. I doubted that would be announced on Netscape for fear of mutiny. There was no time to waste, including waiting for Luca’s return. If I was lucky to find what I was looking for, maybe, just maybe there would be time to avoid a war.

  As I noticed various vehicles ahead, I pulled into a driveway, waiting until they passed. My nerves were on edge, my heart racing. I could still feel Luca inside and knew that if I called to him, he would find his way to me. That was both comforting as well as terrifying. I didn’t want him captured. They would do terrible things to him in order to find their miracle drug.

  Shuddering, I pulled back onto the street, taking my time until I reached my destination. Cautiously, I turned down the long driveway, half expecting to be confronted by members of the DSIC. When there were no cars in sight, I breathed a sigh of relief then hid the truck as best I could.

  I even knew where the doctor had hidden a spare key. His house, inherited from his grandparents, was like mine, equipped with old-fashioned locks. I eased around back, realizing my senses were much keener than before. I could detect various scents that I’d never noticed before, including a flowering tree that was located nowhere on the doctor’s property. Even my eyesight had changed, not only allowing me to see clearly in the darkness but also at twenty-twenty or better.

  However, my head ached, my stomach nauseous as I searched for the key. Even slipping the key into the lock was difficult, my hand shaking. Once inside, I inhaled the familiar smell that had always seemed so musty to me. He had a collection of antique books that I’d pored over during the two visits, even begging him to allow me to borrow a few.

  All on molecular design.

  I closed the door softly, taking a deep breath before thinking about the man who’d been my friend. Where would he hide something that he knew would be considered a smoking gun? I waved my hand on the light display, taking another deep breath as his home was illuminated. Everything was as he’d left it, including cups in the sink. I was honestly shocked no one had rifled through his belongings, but that was only a matter of time.

  The commander would turn over every stone in order to find me.

  I continued to tremble as I walked into this office, the revered space where we’d spoken. I could even see him behind the ornate desk, another antique that he’d refused to part with. A profound level of sadness rushed into me as I fingered the dusty top, trying to remember him fondly instead of second guessing his reason for friending me.

  The answers had to be found or all would be lost. Very meticulo
usly I began to search, first in the drawers of his desk then to his bookshelf. As I glanced over the various spines, the names all familiar, it suddenly dawned on me. My eagerness took over and within seconds, I found what I was looking for.

  Molecular design. When I carefully pulled the book, my stomach flipped, finding a notebook hidden behind the series of books. I felt frozen to the spot as I held the thick leather-bound journal in my hands, running my fingers over the cover. I should have known what to look for given I’d seen one that was similar in design when I’d been in Dr. Porter’s office.

  Every nerve was standing on end as I opened the volume, scanning the first page.

  “2247. The Beginning. I say this yet the beginning was truly decades before. Before the great wars that came close to annihilating the human race. Before the anarchy that ensued destroyed humanity. I begin this with a heavy heart knowing that whatever I may discover could mean further destruction of the human race, yet I am forced by my oath as well as my guilt to proceed.”

  Dr. Porter’s words were haunting. 2247. The year of my birth. The cold shiver drifting ever so slowly down my spine yanked at my breath. I flipped several pages, trying to figure out what he was working on.

  “2257. The subject remains unaware of her potential, let alone the inoculations that she’s been given. Her growth is normal, her intelligence extremely high. I am pleased with the outcome, neither her body nor her mind showing any signs of alteration at this point in time. While the doses administered were minimal, I feared the possibility that her body would reject the serum. I will continue cautiously as we proceed. However, I am hopeful for the future, especially once she hits puberty.”

  What in the hell had Dr. Porter been working on? I couldn’t stop shaking. Why did I have the distinct feeling that his work involved me? I tried to remember my childhood, allowing vivid images to flash into my mind. The bursts of information were like photographs. My parents. The farm. The animals.